The Ashes

[Scoop]

Don't worry Paul. I'm sure Andy didn't mean you

This is going beyond well. If they can keep this up for another month then there'll be statues of these guys in London.

But "Many a slip (catch) ......" etc

[andy walls]

Don't worry Paul. I'm sure Andy didn't mean you

[Scoop]

Don't rain [-o< Don't let them dig in [-o< Don't let the game stagnate [-o< Don't lose focus [-o< Don't stop working [-o<

Fingers crossed. Toes crossed. Eyes crossed. Ears crossed. Knackers crossed [-o< [-o< [-o<

COME ON ENGLAND

(Sorry Marty but we have suffered and we have been patient )

[Mat]

Don't rain [-o< Don't let them dig in [-o< Don't let the game stagnate [-o< Don't lose focus [-o< Don't stop working [-o<

Fingers crossed. Toes crossed. Eyes crossed. Ears crossed. Knackers crossed [-o< [-o< [-o<

COME ON ENGLAND

(Sorry Marty but we have suffered and we have been patient )

My thoughts entirely [-o< [-o< [-o< [-o< [-o<

[MartyJ]

Clarke falling in the last over was a bit of a blow - England is still definitely in the drivers seat... must admit though was surprised they came out and batted for a bit today - sure they got a few runs, but the early morning swing could have caused some problems for the top order.

If the Aussies get through the first session relatively unscathed, it'll be game on... wouldn't want to be playing tonight though - huge amount of rain just about to roll in, and the forecast for tomorrow doesn't look too encouraging:

Forecast for Tuesday
Cloudy with a shower or two during the morning increasing to showers and the
chance of a thunderstorm during the afternoon. Warm with light to moderate
northeast to northerly winds and a light to moderate southwest afternoon sea
breeze.

[andy walls]

Im not a religious man however.............. [-o< dont let it rain [-o<

[Scoop]

....... and breathe!

We read the script. Couldn't believe it when I woke up and found it had all gone to plan.

Shame about Broad and Katich - two great players who will both be missed for the remainder.

On to Perth

[MartyJ]

Bah - where's the rain when you need it

Going to be tough for the Aussies from here, need 2 wins and a draw to get the Ashes back... the boys better fire up in Perth, hopefully they can make a series of it at least

[andy walls]

The boys did good =D> =D>

[giles]

The boys did very good. Too good in fact, as I missed it all! Coverage starts at 4:00am here, so I usually wake up at 6:00am and watch, but it was already all over!

Superb Sporting few days for me: Saturday - watched England win the Dubai 7s (they beat Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and Samoa in successive matches); Sunday - West Brom did Newcastle very nicely indeed; Monday - the Patriots destroyed the Jets; Tuesday - England wrap up the Second Test.

[andy walls]

Test 3 and a great start by the lads, a few dogged stances towards the end from the Aussies but all in all a great 1st day

A big well done to Cook and Strauss for batting through a potentially tricky first 45 mins =D> =D>

[Paul Victory]

Yes, it's almost looking too good... Time to start worrying.

[giles]

You spoke too soon Paul...not a great morning so far...

[andy walls]

Oh dear Game on now

[Paul Victory]

You spoke too soon Paul...not a great morning so far...

Actually, that was the point I was trying to make. That it was going TOO well.

[MartyJ]

Spices things up a little

We do have to get another 10 wickets though, getting the bowlers to fire for two innings in a row has been a problem of late... still, if we can get a lead of 400 or so it should give them a bit of room to play with (one would hope, lol).

[Paul Victory]

Spices things up a little

We do have to get another 10 wickets though, getting the bowlers to fire for two innings in a row has been a problem of late... still, if we can get a lead of 400 or so it should give them a bit of room to play with (one would hope, lol).

I think you have this one in the bag.

[andy walls]

1 - 1 then

the Aussies deserved it, dealt with the conditions better than us

[Thomas W-P]

Just found this thread. I am a cricket tragic. I (sadly ) predicted the third test would go badly for England. TYPICAL over reporting (just like dreaded football) that England were brilliant (they aren't) and Australia rubbish (they aren't either). 2nd Test was just England over and Australia under performing.

So, Fourth Test... I think it could go either way. One side will crack, but I can't imagine who.

[MartyJ]

Not a good first session for the Aussies... not really how I wanted to spend my boxing day, steady rain in Brisbane, bad start to the test - going to have to resort to watching the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race that is about to start

Long way to go yet - hopefully the boys can make 250 and give the bowlers something to work with... kind of like the Perth test so far... except that Hussey is already out

[MartyJ]

This is just getting silly now - you guys are going to wake up to some nice news to keep you entertained while you're eating your breakky

[giles]

I saw it all and loved every minute!

[Stan]

Hmmm. Thomas I think we need a cautiously optimistic but smug grin emoticon

[Mat]

Not quite sure what's going on - my computer seems to be playing up, as it's reporting the Aussies all out for 98. Anyone have the real results

[Scoop]

Day 1. Aussies 98 all out. England 157 for 0.

I think Santa must be writing these headlines